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Putting and finishing a hole: the rules explained

Any throw from 10 m (33 ft) or closer is a putt, and you must show balance behind your marker before moving toward the basket. The hole is done when the disc rests in the tray or the chains.

Rules covered

806.01, 807. Summaries follow the PDGA Official Rules, 2026 edition.

806.01The putting area (Circle 1)

Any throw from 10 m (33 ft) or closer to the basket is a putt. The distance is measured from the front of your lie to the base of the basket.

Terms

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 806.01)

806.01Falling putts

After you release a putt, you must show balance behind your marker before you move toward the basket. Stepping, falling or jumping past your marker before that is a stance violation: one penalty throw. Step and jump putts are legal from outside 10 m (33 ft).

Terms

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 806.01)

807Holing out

With a basket, the hole is complete when the disc comes to rest in the tray or hangs in the chains below the top of the chain support. A disc that bounces out or pushes through doesn’t count. With an object target, like a pole, the disc has to hit the marked target area.

Terms

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 807)

807On top of the basket

A disc resting on top of the basket hasn’t completed the hole. Mark it on the ground directly below and putt again. It’s never a two-meter penalty.

Terms

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 807)

See also

Rule summaries are based on the PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf. Shot Lab is not affiliated with the PDGA.

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